ND PSC sheds new light on wind farms

Eight wind farms in North Dakota are asking for waivers or extensions concerning the deadline for converting the lighting systems on their turbine towers from the current blinking red lights to different systems.

The new systems include “ADLS” – for aircraft detection lighting system – which has the approval from the Federal Aviation Administration – and “LIDS” – for “light intensity dimming system,” which has not yet been approved.

The deadline for the wind farms to make the conversion is the end of December. But the 2021 Legislature allowed the operators to seek waivers or extensions.

The Public Service Commission has the authority to grant waivers and delays. And it has sent hearings on those requests.

Commissioner Brian Kroshus says it’s extremely late in the game for the wind farm operators. He says the deadline is approaching fast.

Kroshus says he thinks some of the companies were waiting for FAA approval of the “LIDS” system.

NDPPR/KNOX